Total handle tops
$300,000 thanks to top-class races and wider distribution of signal
VERNON, NY – Sunday night’s race card at Vernon
Downs, headlined by the opening round of the All-Star Drivers’ Championship and
Zweig Memorial Trot, produced the track’s highest single-card wagering handle
since 2009.
The total handle, including on-track and off-track simulcast
locations, totaled $313,690, the track’s highest figure since hosting the New
York Sire Stakes Night of Champions in September of 2009. It also represents a
nearly 20% increase over last year’s Drivers’ Championship and Zweig Memorial
Trot card.
“We worked extremely hard to promote one of our signature
nights of the season and we’re pleased to see how well-received it was by
horseplayers nationwide,” said Scott Warren, Director of Racing. “By racing the
card in the evening, we were able to get our simulcast signal distributed in
California and a loaded on-track promotional schedule delivered the type of
family-friendly event we strive to produce.”
Hambletonian champion Royalty For Life cruised to victory in
the $360,000 Zweig Memorial over a star-studded field of trotters and continued
his magical season for Vernon Downs based trainer George Ducharme.
Vernon Downs resumes racing with a four-day holiday
schedule. Live racing takes place Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6:45 p.m.
and a special Labor Day matinee on Monday starting at 1:15 p.m.
